Bankroll Management & ROI Tracking
The #1 reason bettors go broke isn't bad picks—it's bad bankroll management. Master this skill and you'll survive variance to see long-term profits.
Why Most Bettors Go Broke
Imagine this: You have a 55% win rate (great for betting!) and +5% ROI. But you bet 20% of your bankroll per game. After a bad 5-game losing streak (which WILL happen), you've lost 67% of your bankroll. Game over.
Even with an edge, poor bankroll management = bankruptcy. This guide will ensure you never fall into that trap.
The Golden Rule: 1-5% Per Bet
The foundation of bankroll management is simple: Never risk more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single bet.
Bankroll Sizing Examples
| Bankroll | 1% Unit | 2% Unit | 3% Unit | 5% Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $1 | $2 | $3 | $5 |
| $500 | $5 | $10 | $15 | $25 |
| $1,000 | $10 | $20 | $30 | $50 |
| $5,000 | $50 | $100 | $150 | $250 |
| $10,000 | $100 | $200 | $300 | $500 |
1-2% (Conservative)
3% (Standard)Recommended
4-5% (Aggressive)
Advanced: The Kelly Criterion
The Kelly Criterion is a mathematical formula that calculates your optimal bet size based on your edge and the odds. It maximizes long-term bankroll growth.
Kelly Formula
Don't worry—our calculator does this for you!
Use Our Kelly Calculator
Pro Tip: Fractional Kelly
Tracking Your ROI (Return on Investment)
You can't improve what you don't measure. Tracking ROI is the difference between guessing if you're profitable and KNOWING you have an edge.
ROI Formula
Simple but powerful
What's a Good ROI?
Sample Size Matters
When to Increase Your Bet Size
As your bankroll grows and you prove your edge, you can gradually increase bet sizes. Here's when it's safe to level up.
✅ Increase Stakes When...
🚫 Never Increase When...
Realistic Bankroll Growth Example
From $1,000 to $5,000 in One Year
Assumptions: 5% ROI, 3% unit size, 250 bets/year
| Month | Bankroll | Unit Size (3%) | Monthly Bets | Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,000 | $30 | 20 | +$30 |
| 3 | $1,200 | $36 | 20 | +$36 |
| 6 | $1,800 | $54 | 20 | +$54 |
| 9 | $3,000 | $90 | 20 | +$90 |
| 12 | $5,000 | $150 | 20 | +$150 |
Key insight: Compound growth is powerful. Your unit size grows as your bankroll grows, accelerating profits over time.
Essential Tools for Bankroll Management
🎯 5 Unbreakable Principles
- 1Never bet more than 5% on a single gameEven "locks" lose. Protect your bankroll.
- 2Track every single betYou can't improve without data. Use a spreadsheet or our ROI tracker.
- 3Adjust unit sizes as bankroll changesUp $500? Increase units. Down $300? Decrease units. Stay proportional.
- 4Never chase lossesBad days happen. Stick to your system and trust the math.
- 5Withdraw profits regularlyOnce per month, take 25-50% of profits out. Enjoy your winnings!
🏆 Ready for Advanced Strategies?
You've mastered the fundamentals. Time for the complete guide.
You now understand bankroll management and ROI tracking—the foundations of long-term success. Ready to take it to the next level with advanced AI betting strategies?